FPCCI to help Portugal enhance presence in Pakistan

KARACHI - The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Tuesday said it will help Portugal open its trade office in Pakistan with an aim to bolster bilateral trade between two countries.

President FPCCI Abdul Rauf Alam said this while taking to business community after a successful visit of Portugal in which he was accompanied by some leading businessmen. Both countries needed to have a regular exchange of trade and cultural delegations to facilitate comprehensive bilateral engagements, he said, adding that the business community of the two countries should hold exhibitions in each other’s countries.

Abdul Rauf Alam underlined the need for bilateral cooperation to explore untapped opportunities and expand the scope of relations. Pakistan was keen to collaborate with Sothern Europe in trade and economic affairs while Portugal is a gateway to enhance cooperation and exchange of expertise in the field of business, science and information technology, he said.

He added that Portuguese expertise in energy generation through renewable resources could help Pakistan tame its energy crisis which has compromised growth since long.

He emphasised on the need to promote tourism in both countries as it would cement inter relations between the friendly countries.

Cooperation in the sectors like energy, textile, chemical, marble, dairy farming, electronics, tourism and education may form the basis for future cooperation. Exchange of business groups could create further avenues for cooperation, he added.

He asked authorities of both the countries to ease visa restrictions to boost trade and understanding.